A small online support group is already starting to stress
over holiday plans…our members are all caring for folks in the mid
to late stages of AD - There are physical demands as well as
mental/emotional demands on us. One tiny problem can really
upset the apple cart. So, as you can imagine, we need lots of
help and support.

First thing to do is – take a deep breath. We need to take
the best advantage of these weeks before the holidays to create a
plan of action with a clear mind. Caregiving can be tremendously
discombobulating. We need to slow down and re-combobulate (for
lack of a better word) before starting our holiday planning.

Here are some of the best things to remember:

Try to include your loved one in some holiday preparations.
Give him or her something to do that is within their abilities
and that will make them feel useful. Occupying their time will
help you get other things done as well.

Play your loved one’s
favorite holiday music throughout the holiday and surround them
with familiar holiday mementos and pictures.

Maintain a sense of
familiarity. Go easy on the decorations, and don’t move too much
furniture to accommodate trees or other objects. Changing
familiar surroundings can lead to confusion, especially for
someone with memory or physical challenges. Extra cords, fragile
decorations, and piles of gifts can be hazards to those with
limited mobility.

A potluck meal for the
holidays can be a fun way to get everyone involved and take the
pressure off of you to cook everything. How about festive
holiday-themed paper plates and cups?

During the holidays, your
loved one could become more confused and agitated. Try to limit
the number of guests in your home at one time, and make sure
that someone is always designated to know the whereabouts of
your loved one. If he or she tends to wander, there is a chance
that this may happen when everyone thinks someone else is “on
watch.”

Ask for help! Don’t try to
take on all of the burdens of caring for your loved one and
preparing for the holidays. Something as simple as asking a
neighbor or other relative to stay with your loved one for a few
hours while you get some shopping done can make all the
difference between a calm and a stressed-out holiday.

Don’t focus on how the
holidays used to be, but focus instead on what a wonderful gift
it is to have your loved one with you for yet another holiday
season.

Most importantly, take time
for yourself. Do something that you enjoy. The holidays
are about fun and enjoyment, so make sure that you have some of
both.